Super Metroid Z-Factor is one of those SNES gems that somehow flew under the radar—probably because it came out late in the console's life. At first glance, it looks like classic Metroid, but within minutes you realize it's doing its own thing. The level design is brutal in the best way, with these winding tunnels that loop back unexpectedly and hidden upgrades tucked behind fake walls (I spent way too long bombing every surface).

Samus controls like a dream here—weighty but responsive, especially after you grab the high-jump boots. And the enemies? Some of them are straight-up mean, with attack patterns that'll wreck you if you're not paying attention. The soundtrack nails that eerie isolation vibe too, all moody synths and metallic echoes. Just wait until you hit the underwater sections—the way the music muffles and slows down is genius.

It's not perfect—the grapple beam feels a little janky—but the sheer depth of exploration makes up for it. You'll be scribbling map notes like it's 1995 again.